• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Integrated mode converter and multiplexer. Converter and multiplexer (/ demultiplexer) that combines a multimodal interference coupler (100), at least one phase shifter (200) and a symmetric Y joint (300). Engineering is performed on the dispersion of the multimodal interference coupler (100) through sub-wavelength structures to achieve a very large bandwidth. Several topologies of phase shifters (200) are presented for a greater increase of the bandwidth, as well as architectures to multiplex a greater number of optical modes. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
    公开号:ES2708524A1
    申请号:ES201731166
    申请日:2017-09-29
    公开日:2019-04-09
    发明作者:Andrade David Gonzalez；Velasco Aitor Villafranca；Guilen Pedro Corredera；Perez J Gonzalo Wangüemert；Monux Alejandro Ortega；Robert Halir；Fernandez Inigo Molina
    申请人:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas CSIC；Universidad de Malaga；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001]
    [0002]
    [0003]
    [0004] SECTOR OF THE INVENTION
    [0005]
    [0006] The present invention belongs to the field of integrated photonics and more specifically, to the industrial sector dedicated to providing converters and multiplexers of modes based on waveguides.
    [0007]
    [0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [0009]
    [0010] High-capacity photon interconnections are in high demand since they overcome the transmission capacity limitations imposed by traditional copper interconnections. Some of the advantages of photonic interconnections are the low energy consumption, the elimination of parasitic capacities and the compatibility with a wide range of multiplexing techniques that allow to increase the added bandwidth. For example, schemes division multiplexing wavelength (WDM, the English wavelength division multiplexing), Division Multiplexing polarization (PDM, the English polarization division multiplexing) and Multiplexing space division (SDM, the English space division multiplexing ) can be combined to scale the data transmission capacity of the devices, in an attempt to meet the growing demand for new services that handle large volumes of data.
    [0011]
    [0012] All of these techniques can be combined with division multiplexing modes (MDM, the English mode division multiplexingpara further increase the aggregate bandwidth. The MDM technique allows the transmission and reception of various encrypted modes with different spatial distribution through a multimode guidance, in which each mode is exploited as an independent data channel In a converter and multiplexer (MUX) of MDM modes, each of the single-mode input guides receives a channel encoded in the same zero order optical mode. The MUX converts each zero-order mode of input into an optical mode of different order to the output, joining them all in the same multimode output guide.For example, a MUX MDM can receive three different signals by sharing a TE0 mode (ie, a zero-order electric transverse mode) through three guides of single-mode input and convert them respectively into three signals on the modes TE0, TE1 (electric transverse of order 1) and TE2 (electric transverse of order 2), respectively, sharing the same multimode output gda.
    [0013]
    [0014] Note that an MDM multiplexer can operate as a demultiplexer (DEMUX) without any structural change, simply by inverting the inputs and outputs. That is, the same device can function as DEMUX using the multimode gda as input for a multiplexed signal in various modes of different orders. Afterwards, each of these modes is separated, converted into a zero-order mode and transmitted separately to the corresponding single-mode output mode. Therefore, when multiplexers are mentioned in this document, it should be understood that it encompasses both multiplexers and demultiplexers.
    [0015]
    [0016] Different architectures have been proposed to implement the conversion and multiplexing of modes, including asymmetric directional couplers (ADC), resonator rings (RR), adiabatic couplers of variable width and asymmetrical Y junctions. However, ADCs and RRs are inherently narrowband devices, while other mode coupling solutions usually require very large propagation lengths, as they are based on the concept of modal evolution. Depending on the specific implementation, the asymmetrical Y-junctions also require very long propagation lengths, or are very sensitive to manufacturing deviations from the ideal design. That is, any small variation in the width of the manufactured gda, on the other hand inevitable in a mass manufacturing process of the photonic interconnections, causes a significant degradation of the performance of the device.
    [0017]
    [0018] Alternatively, MDM MUX devices based on multimodal interference couplers (MMI) have also been proposed, typically in combination with phase shifters. An MMI is a photonic device with a variable number of inputs and outputs, which includes a multimode region (typically known by its English name "slab") in which autoimagens are generated from the input signals at specific propagation distances. appropriately, the properties of the slab and the propagation distance, to which the outputs are placed, it is possible to implement the capacity to divide power, for example, in US 2014/126855 A1, a mode converter is presented (without multiplexing capabilities). ), in each input signal is divided equally into several entries of an MMI with multiple inputs and a single output. By properly combining individual phase shifters in each MMI input and adiabatic transition of width to the input, several transformations between different modes can be achieved. However, solutions based on MMIs are limited by the excess losses of the MMI and the dispersion profile that ultimately limit the bandwidth improvement.
    [0019]
    [0020] Therefore, there continues to be a need for waveguide-based devices that integrate the conversion and multiplexing of modes and are capable of operating in a large bandwidth. It is also desirable that the multiplexers have a small size and a high tolerance to deviations from the nominal design.
    [0021]
    [0022] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [0023]
    [0024] The proposed invention solves the aforementioned problems through a modal conversion and multiplexation architecture based on the use of an MMI that, thanks to the use of sub-wavelength engineering, provides a large increase in bandwidth. The invented modal converter / multiplexer comprises at least two single-mode input waveguides, which receive signals of zero order (for example, signals encoded on the TE0 modes), and a multi-mode output waveguide that transmits at least two signals of output encoded on two modes of different order (for example, the first signal encoded in the TE0 mode and the second in the TE1 mode). The conversion and modal multiplexation of the two input modes on the output modes is done by the coordinated actuation of three elements: a multimodal interference coupler, wavelength, at least one phase shifter and at least one symmetric Y-joint.
    [0025]
    [0026] The multimodal interference coupler comprises at least two inputs and two outputs. At least the first input waveguide of the MUX device is connected to the first input of the MMI, and the second input waveguide of the MUX is connected to the second input of the MMI. Depending on the specific implementation, the above connections between the input waveguides and the MMI inputs can be made through additional elements such as phase shifters, couplers, etc., as will be seen later in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. . In the same way, all the outputs of the MMI are combined in the multi-mode output waveguide through at least one phase shifter and one Y-junction. Notice again that the terminology input / output used, has been only to facilitate the understanding of the principle of operation, but in no case should be understood as limiting the device for use as MUX, since the same device reported can be used as DEMUX just by changing the entries by exits and vice versa.
    [0027]
    [0028] The MMI is configured as a balanced power divider, which equi-distributes the signal received by any of its inputs between all outputs. This is typically implemented by means of an MMI coupler NxN, that is, an MMI with the same number of inputs as outputs, in which each input is aligned with an output. Note that, in this process, certain phase shifts between outputs are induced. In the case of an MMI 2x2 (that is, an MMI with two inputs and two outputs) the phase difference between the two outputs is 90 °.
    [0029]
    [0030] In order to increase the operational bandwidth, the MMI includes at least one sub-wavelength region (SWG), that is, a periodic region that includes alternate sections of core material and shell material, whose period is smaller than the smallest wavelength within the bandwidth of the converter / mode multiplexer. Sub-wavelength structures do not generate diffraction effects while implementing a metamaterial whose effective refractive index is between the core and shell indices. The effective index of this metamaterial can be changed by an appropriate selection of the work cycle or fill factor (that is, the proportion of each material within a period).
    [0031]
    [0032] Preferably, the SWG region is designed, by engineering the dispersion, to maximize the bandwidth. That is, one or more parameters of the SWG are chosen, by means of photonic simulation, to optimize the bandwidth and / or the flatness of the frequency response. The aforementioned parameters may include one or more of the following: period, fill factor, glide width and height of the multimode region.
    [0033]
    [0034] Also, preferably, the region SWG comprises all the MMI, and the aforementioned design parameters of the SWG medium remain constant throughout the entire region. However, other particular implementations of the MMI could include areas with and without SWG, areas with different SWG parameters and / or areas with variable SWG parameters.
    [0035] More preferably, the MMI may include SWG adapters in its inputs and / or outputs. Each mode adapter has a structure SWG whose width changes progressively between the width of the conventional single-mode waveguide-cable guide and a larger width that serves as an input to the MMI device. Moreover, the SWG mode adapter can include a variable-width center bridge, which begins with the width of the single-mode waveguide cable and is progressively reduced until its disappearance at the input interface with the multimode region of the MMI. Note that the term "wire-waveguide" is used in this document by contrast to the term "waveguide SWG" in the sense that the core is continuous and does not include periodic pieces of the material of the cover.
    [0036]
    [0037] It should also be noted that the MUX object of the invention is preferably implemented in silicon on insulator (SOI) for as! To benefit from the high contrast of SOI Index, however, particular implementations could be implemented in other different photonic platforms. That is, all the waveguides of the device are preferably made by a silicon core, deposited on an insulating layer such as, for example, silicon dioxide. The material of the cover can vary for different embodiments of the invention, being some of the possibilities silicon dioxide, polymers or air, without this list limiting the use of other possible options.
    [0038]
    [0039] The outputs of the MMI are connected, at least, to a phase shifter, where the output signals suffer an additional phase shift. Finally, the outputs of the phase shifter are connected with the multi-mode output guide by one or more symmetrical Y-joints. For example, in the case of a two-mode multiplexer (a MUX with two inputs and one output), the MMI coupler based on SWG is a 2x2 MMI. The outputs of the MMI are connected to the input waveguides of the MUX. The outputs of the MMI, between which a first 90 ° phase shift is induced, are connected to a phase shifter where a second offset of 90 ° is applied. As a result, when a signal is input by the first input guide, the first and second phase shifts cancel each other and the two outputs of the phase shifter are in phase. After combining in the union in Y, a zero order mode is obtained. On the other hand, when a signal is introduced by the second input guide, the first and second phase shift accumulate giving rise to a total phase shift of 180 ° which, after being combined in the Y connection, produces a first order mode .
    [0040] In the case of a three-mode MUX, a 4x4 MMI will be used preferentially. The first entry guide will be connected to the first entry of the MMI. The second input guide is divided by a Y junction, suffering a certain lag (preferably 90 °) and feeds the second and third inputs of the MMI. The third input guide is connected to the fourth input of the MMI. An offset of 45 ° is then applied between the first and second outputs of the MMI and 135 ° between the third and fourth outputs of the MMI. The four resulting outputs are combined in the multimode output guide, preferably by cascaded Y-junctions, although a four-port Y-joint could alternatively also be used.
    [0041]
    [0042] It should be noted that to implement the desired phase relationships it is possible to use alternative combinations of phase shifters and Y junctions. Note also that this architecture is scalable, so using an MMI with a larger number of ports and more phase shifters can achieve a MUX with a greater number of multiplexed modes. Finally, also note that the implementation of a MUX of more than two modes is achieved by the high performance of the MMI and phase shifters in terms of: excess of losses, bandwidth and manufacturing tolerances; since with the response of conventional devices, there would not be enough margin in the extinction quotient to combine more than two modes.
    [0043]
    [0044] There are also three preferred alternatives for the implementation of the phase shifter (or phase shifters) whose properties combine synergistically with the behavior of the MMI to provide the invention with improvements in bandwidth, decrease in size, increase in the quotient of Extinction and greater tolerance to deviations in manufacturing:
    [0045]
    [0046] A first topology for the phase shifter comprising a first waveguide of constant width and a second waveguide whose width increases progressively in a first section and then progressively decreases again to its original size.
    [0047] - A second topology for the phase shifter comprising at least one SWG region whose SWG parameters have been designed, using photonic simulations, to optimize the bandwidth and / or manufacturing tolerances. More preferably, the second topology of this phase shifter comprises two SWG regions of different width, one in each waveguide, being able to include adapters of SWG modes, similar to those used in the inputs and outputs of the MM.
    [0048] - A third phase shifting topology comprising one or more lateral phase loading segments ('phase loading' in English). In the preferred embodiments of this third type of phase shifter, modified widths, modal adapters, and / or SWG structures may be used in the central guide or in the lateral segments
    [0049]
    [0050] Finally, in another preferred embodiment, the mode converter / multiplexer can be operated as a switch by the use of one or more controllable phase shifters, which are externally switched between at least a first phase of phase shift and a second phase of phase shift. For example, in the case of a two-mode multiplexer, dynamically selecting which of the two zero-order input modes is transformed into the first mode of the output, by configuring the phase shifter to induce a 90 ° or 270 ° offset .
    [0051]
    [0052] The proposed converter and mode multiplexer provides a large bandwidth, low losses and a high extinction ratio in a compact device. These and other advantages will be apparent in light of the detailed description of the invention.
    [0053]
    [0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
    [0055]
    [0056] To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical realization thereof, a set of figures is included as an integral part of said description. where, with illustrative and non-limiting character:
    [0057]
    [0058] Figure 1 schematically represents the main elements of a two-mode multiplexer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
    [0059] Figure 2 shows in more detail a multimode interference wavelength sub-wavelength according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
    [0060] Figure 3 illustrates the main parameters of a sub-wavelength structure. Figure 4 presents a first preferred embodiment of the phase shifter of the invention, based on a continuously variable waveguide of locally variable width.
    [0061] Figure 5 presents a second preferred embodiment of the phase shifter of the invention, based on a glide sub-wavelength.
    [0062] Figure 6 presents a third preferred embodiment of the phase shifter of the invention, based on the arrangement of lateral phase load segments on both sides of the central guide.
    [0063] Figure 7 shows in more detail a symmetrical Y bond, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
    [0064] Figure 8 schematically represents the main elements of a multiplexer of three modes according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
    [0065]
    [0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [0067]
    [0068] Figure 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the converter and mode multiplexer of the invention, for the particular case of conversion of two modes, that is, for a particular embodiment of the device that converts two zero-order input modes into a mode of zero order output and one order one output mode. The device comprises a first single-mode input guide (401) that receives a first zero-order mode (410) and a second single-mode input mode (402) that receives a second zero-order mode (420). The first single-mode input guide (401) and the second single-mode input guide (402) are connected to the first input (101) and the second input (102) of an MMI (100). The MMI (100) equally divides both inputs into a first output (111) and a second output (112), introducing a first offset of 90 ° between said outputs. The first output (111) and the second output (112) are connected to a first phase shifter (200) that induces a second offset of 90 ° between its upper and lower arms. Both arms are then combined into a symmetrical Y-junction (300), the symmetrical Y-junction (300) being a multimode output guide (501).
    [0069]
    [0070] When light enters through the first input waveguide (401), the first and second phase shifts cancel each other out. Therefore, the optical modes leaving the first phase shifter (200) are in phase and their combination results in a zero-order output mode (510). When light enters through the second input guide (402), the first and second phase shift add up and result in a total 180 ° phase shift. Therefore, the optical modes exiting from the first phase shifter (200) are in push-pull and their combination results in a 1-order output mode (520)
    [0071] Figure 2 shows the MMI (100) SWG in more detail, which is a common element to all the embodiments of the invention. The MMI (100) comprises a multimode region SWG (120), with alternating sections of the core and shell materials. The rectangular sections of the core material are placed transversely to the inlet and outlet guides. To optimize the excitation conditions of the MMI (100), all inputs and outputs include modal adapters (130) SWG, which progressively increase the width of the glider and reduce its effective index. The modal adapters (130) include a central bridge, that is, a small connector of the core material in the center of the deck sections. The width of the central bridge decreases as the total width of the glider increases, disappearing completely at the interface with the multimode region of the MMI (100). Note that the specific geometry of the modal adapter (130) can vary between implementations as long as a smooth modal transition is guaranteed.
    [0072]
    [0073] Figure 3 shows in more detail the main parameters of any SWG structure, which can be adjusted by photon simulations to engineer the Refraction Index and the dispersion. Specifically, said SWG parameters include the width of the waveguide (W), the height of the waveguide (H), the period (A) and the duty cycle (f). The work cycle, also known as the fill factor, is the relationship between the lengths of the core section (a) and the cover (b) in a period (A).
    [0074]
    [0075] The length of the multimode region of the MMI (100), i-rnw-MMi, is given by:
    [0076]
    [0077]
    [0078]
    [0079] where Ln is the beat length between the first and second modes, whose effective indices are neffyneff respectively
    [0080]
    [0081]
    [0082]
    [0083]
    [0084] Conventional MMIs depend directly on the wavelength and, therefore, autoimagens are formed at different distances for each wavelength. It is this limitation in the bandwidth of conventional MMIs that restricts the performance of multiplexing devices in conventional modes. However, by engineering the dispersion of the guided modes of the multimode section of the MMI coupler can achieve a practically flat beat length, since the difference between the effective indices of the modes neff (X) -n lf f Q.) remains almost constant with the wavelength. For example, the proposed MUX provides a better extinction ratio of -20dB in a bandwidth of 300nm (1400 nm - 1700 nm), covering the C, S and L bands of optical communications.
    [0085]
    [0086] The first step in the design of the MMI SWG (100) is to define a width of the modal adapter (130) at the interface with the multimode region of the MMI, Wa, which guarantees that only the fundamental modes are excited. This is achieved by simulating and analyzing the curve of the real part of the effective index as a function of said width. To ensure that the modes are guided, their real part must be greater than the refraction index of the cover and the substrate. However, the width must be small enough so that no higher modes propagate. The value of the final width is chosen arbitrarily between both limits. The separation between the modal adapters (130) in the interface with the slab, Wsep, is chosen to guarantee a coupling lower than a predefined one, such as -40dB. The total width of the MMI (100), WMMI, is calculated as WMMI = 2 (Wsep + Wa). The length of the modal adapter (130) is chosen to ensure a smooth transition.
    [0087]
    [0088] Next, the parameters of the SWG are defined. A 50% duty cycle is preferable to facilitate fabrication. That is, the lengths of the core section (a) and cover section (b) are equal. The period is chosen within a range with a lower limit defined by the minimum fabricable dimension of the manufacturing technology and an upper limit that avoids the Bragg condition. This upper limit, Amax, can be estimated as:
    [0089]
    [0090]
    [0091]
    [0092] where is the lower wavelength of the operation range of the MUX and neq is defined by the Rytov formula:
    [0093]
    [0094]
    [0095]
    [0096] where f is the duty cycle, neqcore is the equivalent refractive index of the core, 2 is the wavelength and ncladding is the refractive index of the shell. Afterwards, different periods are simulated within the aforementioned range, choosing the period that provides the greatest bandwidth, and / or a flatter response in the predefined wavelength range. Finally, the length of the MMI (100) is optimized by new simulations, starting from the initial theoretical value that is given by r ^ .r> Nv-MMi - 3 Ln / 1.
    [0097]
    [0098] Figure 4 presents a first implementation of the phase shifter (200), composed of a first wave gwa (201) and a second waveguide (202). The second waveguide (202) is a conventional wave-cable guide with a first width (w1) without any type of geometric modification, while the first guide starts with the first width (w1), but includes two trapezoidal regions ( 201, 211) that widen the guide to a second width (w2) and then narrow it again to the first width (w1). As a consequence, the mode speed is reduced and the desired phase shift is achieved. Note that alternative implementations based on the same principle can be achieved, for example, by replacing the trapezoidal regions (210, 211) with other profiles such as curves; adding a central region of constant width between the trapezoidal regions (201, 211); using a second width (w2) lower than the first width (w1), and / or by any other combination of width variations that provide the same total phase shift.
    [0099]
    [0100] To design the first implementation of the phase shifter, the second width (w2) can be chosen arbitrarily and subsequently optimize the length of the trapezoidal regions (210, 211) until obtaining the desired phase shift. However, it must be taken into account that the minimum length of the combined trapezoidal regions (Lpsmin) to ensure adiabatic transitions is:
    [0101]
    [0102] Lpsmin (w2-w1) / tan (amin)
    [0103]
    [0104] where amin is preferably 5 °. Note that it is convenient to simulate several second widths (w2), including in each case a range of manufacturing deviations typical of the ideal design, choosing that second width (w2) that is more robust to this effect.
    [0105]
    [0106] In Figure 5 a second implementation of the phase shifter (200) is presented, which is also composed of a first waveguide (201) and a second waveguide (202). The first waveguide (201) comprises a first delay SWG (221) with a third width (w3), as well as a first width adapter (220) and a second width adapter (222) at each end. The second guide includes a second delay SWG (231) with a fourth width (w4), as! as a third wide adapter (230) and a fourth wide adapter (232) on each end. The difference between the third width (w3) and the fourth width (w4) achieves the desired phase shift and at the same time a flatter frequency response than the first implementation of the phase shifter (200). In addition, by optimizing the SWG parameters of this second implementation of the phase shifter (200) by means of photonic simulations, and thanks also to the large bandwidth of the MMI (100), a device with a greater bandwidth is achieved. For the example just discussed, an improvement in the extinction ratio of -10dB can be achieved in the 300nm wavelength range.
    [0107]
    [0108] Note that alternative embodiments of the phase shifter (200) based on SWG can be implemented, in which the first glider (201) and the second glider (202) have different parameters. For example, instead of varying the width of the SWG (W), the period (A) or the work cycle (f) can be modified. It should also be taken into account that the specific geometry of the width adapters (220, 222, 230, 232) can vary for different implementations, provided a smooth transition is guaranteed. In addition, different implementations of the shifter (200) can include SWG regions in only one of the guides, although it is recommended to include SWG in both to obtain a response that is as flat as possible.
    [0109] Figure 6 presents a third implementation of the phase shifter of the invention, which is based on including one or more lateral load segments (250) on both sides of the first guide (201). It is convenient that said first guide has a reduced fifth width (w5) in the region in which the lateral load segments (250) are located to delocalize the field and increase the effect of said segments. Said reduction of the width is preferably carried out progressively by means of a modal adapter. In addition, the phase load segments (250) may include additional geometrical features at their ends to achieve a smoother transition, such as angled or curved ends.
    [0110]
    [0111] Width reductions similar to those made in the first wave guide (201) can also be applied to the second wave guide (202), until the same reduced fifth (w5) width or a different one is obtained, in order to optimize the bandwidth. In addition, this second guide may also include phase loading segments (250) as long as they have different geometrical properties. The lateral segments and / or the central guides may also include SWG regions for performing engineering of the dispersion. Is The third implementation of the phase shifter (200) has the particular advantage of not being affected by manufacturing deviations in a wider range when its geometric parameters are optimized by photonic simulation.
    [0112]
    [0113] Figure 7 shows in more detail a preferred embodiment of the Y symmetric junction (300). The symmetrical Y-union (300) consists of two monomode inputs that feed two sinusoidal-shaped arms. The two arms are finally joined in a multimode output, typically twice as wide as the inputs, although the design of the specific geometry may vary between different implementations. The symmetric Y bond (300) is preferably designed optimizing its length by photonic simulations, keeping the separation between the arms fixed, which is given by the separation between the outputs of the MMI (100) and / or the phase shifter. The optimization of the length requires reaching a compromise in the size of the device and the loss of return.
    [0114]
    [0115] Finally, Figure 8 shows the preferred architecture for the multiplexing (or demultiplexing) of three optical modes in the same device. A third input singlemode gouge (403) that is driven with a third zero-order mode (430) is added to the input plane. The MMI (100) consists of a third input (103), a fourth input (104), a third output (113) and a fourth output (114). The second input (102) and the third input (103) of the MMI are fed, through an additional symmetrical Y-union (300), by the second single-mode input guide (402), while the fourth input (104) and first input (401) to the MMI are, respectively, powered by the third input single-mode waveguide (403) and the first single-mode input waveguide (401). In order to be able to generate in multimode output waveguide (501) the first zero-order output mode (510), the second first-order output mode (520) and the third second-order output mode (530), the device includes three phase shifters (200):
    [0116] - A phase shifter (200) of 90 ° between the second inlet (102) and the third inlet (103) to the MMI (100).
    [0117] - A phase shifter (200) of 45 ° (200) between the first outlet (111) and second outlet (112) of the MMI (100).
    [0118] - A phase shifter (200) of 135 ° (200) between the third outlet (113) and fourth outlet (114) of the MMI.
    [0119] Note that the invention, according to any of the described embodiments, can operate as a switch using simply one or more controllable phase shifters (200) instead of passive phase shifters (200). That is, instead of using phase shifters (200) that induce a fixed phase change, phase shifters whose phase is controlled externally are used, which makes possible the simultaneous switching of multiple optical modes. The control of the phase shifter (200) can be implemented with any technology known from the state of the art, such as the injection / depletion of carriers through a PN junction.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [1]
    1. Integrated mode converter and multiplexer comprising:
    - at least one first input single-mode wave gwa (401) adapted to receive a signal with a first zero-order mode (410) and a second single-mode input waveguide (402) adapted to receive a signal with a second mode of zero order (420);
    - a multi-mode output waveguide (501) adapted to transmit at least a first zero-order output mode (510) and a second first-order output mode (520); Y
    - a multimodal interference coupler (100) configured to equitably distribute optical signals from a first input (101) and a second input (102) at a first output (111) and a second output (112), and induce a first phase shift between the first output (111) and the second output (112);
    characterized in that the converter and mode multiplexer also comprises:
    - a first phase shifter (200) associated with the first output (111) and the second output (112), configured to produce a second additional offset between the first output (111) and the second output (112);
    - a Y symmetric junction (300) located after the first phase shifter (200), configured to combine the signals from the first phase shifter (200) in the multimode output waveguide (501); and a region in the multimodal interference coupler (100) comprising a disposition of periodically alternating sections of a core and shell material, with a period less than a value of the shortest wavelength in the bandwidth of the converter and mode multiplexer.
    [2]
    2. Integrated mode converter and multiplexer, according to claim 1, characterized in that the multimodal interference coupler (100) further includes a plurality of modal adapters (130) connected to the first input (101), second input (102). ), first output (111) and second output (112), where each modal adapter (130) comprises a waveguide that, while progressively varying its width, alternates periodically sections of the core materials used and cover.
    [3]
    3. Convertor and integrated mode multiplexer, according to claim 2, characterized in that each modal adapter (130) further comprises a central bridge of core material that joins the sections defined by the core material and where the bridge width central is inversely proportional to that of the waveguide.
    [4]
    4. Integrated mode converter and multiplexer, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first phase shifter (200) consists of:
    - a first waveguide (202) with a first constant width (w1), and - a second waveguide (201) whose width varies between the first width (w1) and the second width (w2).
    [5]
    5. Convertor and integrated mode multiplexer, according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first phase shifter (200) comprises periodically alternating core and cover material, whose repetition period is smaller than the smallest wavelength of the operation bandwidth of the converter and mode multiplexer.
    [6]
    6. Convertor and integrated mode multiplexer, according to claim 5, characterized in that the first phase shifter (200) comprises a first waveguide (201) with a first region that periodically alternates sections of core and shell materials (221) with a third width (w3), and a second waveguide (202) with a second region that periodically alternates sections of core material and shell (231) with a fourth width (w4), the third width (w3) being different from the fourth width (w4).
    [7]
    7. Convertor and integrated mode multiplexer, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first phase shifter (200) further comprises a plurality of modal adapters (220, 222, 230, 232) that progressively vary their width to the They also periodically alternate sections of the core and shell materials.
    [8]
    8. Integrated mode converter and multiplexer, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first phase shifter (200) comprises at least one phase charge waveguide segment (250) located on one side of the first wave guide (201).
    [9]
    9. Integrated mode converter and multiplexer, according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one phase load waveguide segment (250) comprises a region that periodically alternates sections of core material and material of the cover.
    [10]
    10. Convertor and multiplexer of integrated modes, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that:
    - the first single-mode input waveguide (401) is connected to the first input (101) of the multimode interference coupler (100), - the second single-mode input waveguide (402) is connected to the second input (102) ) of the multimodal interference coupler (100), and - the second offset is 90 °.
    [11]
    11. An integrated mode converter and multiplexer, according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third input single-mode waveguide (403) adapted to receive a third zero-order input mode (430), and the multimode output waveguide (501) adapted to further transmit a third mode of second output order (530), the converter and mode multiplexer being characterized in that the multimode interference coupler (100) further comprises a third waveguide input (103), a fourth input waveguide (104), a third output (113) and a fourth output (114); wherein the converter and mode multiplexer further comprises:
    - a symmetrical Y-junction (300) connecting the second single-mode input waveguide (402) with the second input (102) and third input (103);
    - a second phase shifter (200) configured to induce a third offset between the third output (113) and the fourth output (114); Y
    - a third phase shifter (200) configured to induce a fourth phase shift between the second entrance (102) and the third entrance (103).
    [12]
    12. Convertor and integrated mode multiplexer, according to claim 11, characterized in that the second phase shift is 45 °, the third phase shift is 135 ° and the fourth phase shift is 90 °.
    [13]
    13. Convertor and integrated mode multiplexer, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the phase shifters (200) is a controllable phase shifter (200) externally switched between a first phase shift value and a second phase shift value. gap.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    ES2708524B2|2019-11-28|INTEGRATED CONVERSOR AND MULTIPLEXOR OF MODES.
    González-Andrade et al.2018|Ultra-broadband mode converter and multiplexer based on sub-wavelength structures
    Li et al.2019|Multimode silicon photonics
    JP2006235380A|2006-09-07|Mode splitter and optical circuit
    EP3203281B1|2020-12-09|Mode multiplexer-demultiplexer and switching node
    Shalaby2016|Bi-directional coupler as a mode-division multiplexer/demultiplexer
    WO2012121850A2|2012-09-13|Adjustable multiple-channel optical switch
    Shi et al.2013|Silicon CWDM demultiplexers using contra-directional couplers
    US10488589B2|2019-11-26|T-shaped arrayed waveguide grating
    JP4197126B2|2008-12-17|Optical switch and optical wavelength router
    Jiang et al.2020|Ultra-broadband mode splitter based on phase controlling of bridged subwavelength grating
    Doerr1998|Proposed WDM cross connect using a planar arrangement of waveguide grating routers and phase shifters
    JP3878012B2|2007-02-07|Optical waveguide circuit
    Gao et al.2019|Scalable compact mode | multiplexer based on asymmetric Y-junctions
    Jiang et al.2020|Silicon TM-mode multiplexer based on bridged subwavelength grating
    Tran et al.2018|A new simulation design of three-mode division | multiplexer based on a trident coupler and two cascaded 3× 3 MMI silicon waveguides
    Tu et al.2021|Optical mode conversion based on silicon-on-insulator material Ψ-junction coupler and multimode interferometer
    JP6699028B2|2020-05-27|Mode exchanger
    WO2020210288A1|2020-10-15|Wavelength division multiplexing filter for multiplexing or demultiplexing using cascaded frequency shaping
    JP6653886B2|2020-02-26|Mode multiplexer / demultiplexer and mode multiplex transmission system
    Ho et al.2018|Reconfigurable mode converter using two silicon Y-junction couplers for mode division multiplexing network
    González-Andrade et al.2018|Ultra-broadband mode converter and multiplexer using a sub-wavelength metamaterial
    Huang et al.2018|Broadband mode router based on three-dimensional Mach-Zehnder interferometer and waveguide branches
    JP2020027216A|2020-02-20|Mode multiplexer/demultiplexer
    CN111025468B|2021-05-14|Mode multiplexing demultiplexer, mode demultiplexing method and mode multiplexing method
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US20200225412A1|2020-07-16|
    SG11202002241SA|2020-04-29|
    ES2708524B2|2019-11-28|
    EP3688505A1|2020-08-05|
    WO2019063464A1|2019-04-04|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    JP6245651B2|2012-08-27|2017-12-20|国立大学法人九州大学|Inter-mode optical switch|
    JP2014092759A|2012-11-06|2014-05-19|Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd|Polarization control element|WO2020163717A1|2019-02-07|2020-08-13|Pointcloud Inc.|Ranging using a shared path optical coupler|
    CN112526672B|2019-09-18|2022-02-18|华中科技大学|Optical waveguide chiral mode conversion method and device|
    WO2021155306A1|2020-01-31|2021-08-05|Corning Incorporated|Mode multiplexer/demultiplexer using metamaterials for optical communication system, and optical communication|
    US11269142B2|2020-04-01|2022-03-08|Globalfoundries U.S. Inc.|Optical couplers with segmented waveguides|
    法律状态:
    2019-04-09| BA2A| Patent application published|Ref document number: 2708524 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: A1 Effective date: 20190409 |
    2019-11-28| FG2A| Definitive protection|Ref document number: 2708524 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: B2 Effective date: 20191128 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    ES201731166A|ES2708524B2|2017-09-29|2017-09-29|INTEGRATED CONVERSOR AND MULTIPLEXOR OF MODES.|ES201731166A| ES2708524B2|2017-09-29|2017-09-29|INTEGRATED CONVERSOR AND MULTIPLEXOR OF MODES.|
    SG11202002241SA| SG11202002241SA|2017-09-29|2018-09-24|Integrated mode converter and multiplexer|
    PCT/EP2018/075753| WO2019063464A1|2017-09-29|2018-09-24|Integrated mode converter and multiplexer|
    US16/650,449| US20200225412A1|2017-09-29|2018-09-24|Integrated mode converter and multiplexer|
    EP18773768.9A| EP3688505A1|2017-09-29|2018-09-24|Integrated mode converter and multiplexer|
    [返回顶部]